Castle O’er hillfort from above

Imagine having a bird’s eye view of history.

The original Iron Age occupants of the hillfort at Castle O’er could never have imagined what it looked like from above. Even today, it’s impossible to truly appreciate the impressive ramparts from ground level. Use aerial photography, however, and you’ll discover a whole new world.

Modern techniques in archaeology

Low-altitude aerial photography by remote-controlled drone or microcopter is helping archaeologists take a fresh look at ancient sites. When combined with 3D terrain modelling, laser scanning, archaeological plans and historic maps, it can provide new angles and new insights.

Understanding Castle O’er

Castle O’er hill fort is between Langholm and Lockerbie in south-west Scotland. It was probably the base for an important branch of the Selgovae tribe, who ruled much of south-west Scotland in the Iron Age.

Archaeologists have identified the traces of nearly 30 round timber houses inside the grass covered ramparts. Originally, the ramparts would have been topped with a wooden palisade.

Images such as this terrain model help our Archaeologist and local staff prepare conservation management plans.